Fayetteville police investigate possible sexual assault

Police said a female victim was physically assaulted and knocked unconscious while she was walking outside of her apartment in Cambridge Arms just before 11 p.m. Monday.

The victim was taken to a hospital the next morning by an acquaintance and treated for her injuries. Detectives are investigating whether a sexual assault took place while the victim was unconscious.

Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.

Fayetteville police are required to report sexual assaults to the public within 72 hours of the report. Police said the clock starts ticking when the assault is reported, not when it allegedly takes place.

"That's when we are first informed because there are times when an assault is reported hours, even days, after it's occurred. We are going to follow up on investigation, and thats the time for detectives to work the investigation not necessarily from the time its occured," said Fayetteville police information officer Gavin McRoberts.

Detectives do not believe this assault is related to the sexual assaults that have occurred in the north Ramsey Street area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).